Monthly Archive for April, 2008

: April, 2008

Microsoft says it didn’t pay for the use of its Photosynth technology during tonight’s episode of “CSI: New York.” It’s just a natural result of its relationship with series creator Anthony Zuiker, and of his desire to use the latest technology in his shows, the company explains. But after previewing snippets of the episode this afternoon, I can say it’s probably more valuable to Microsoft than a paid ad would be. …

More behind-the-scenes rumblings today in Microsoft’s Yahoo bid: The Wall Street Journal, citing anonymous sources, reports this afternoon that Microsoft’s board is meeting to consider its options today, and the company could announce its plans afterward. …

Microsoft is thinking about nominating a slate of directors for the Yahoo board, a key step toward a hostile takeover, but waiting to take its acquisition offer directly to the company’s shareholders, according to a Wall Street Journal report today, citing anonymous sources. What’s the strategy? From the story: …

No word yet on Microsoft’s next move after the passing of the Saturday deadline it imposed on Yahoo. While we wait, here’s a chance to weigh in on the question that Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer may be considering at this very moment: What should the company do next in its Yahoo acquisition bid? The choices: 1) Raise the offer to make a deal or bring Yahoo to the table; 2) Keep the offer as is and attempt a hostile takeover; 3) Lower the price and attempt a hostile takeover; 4) Withdraw the offer temporarily and try to revive it later; 5) Walk away from the deal entirely. …

Microsoft executives typically refrain from publicly theorizing, in any detail, about the company’s share price. But a new regulatory filing provides a glimpse into Microsoft finance chief Chris Liddell’s thoughts on the subject. …

With Saturday’s deadline passed, Wall Street and the tech industry are awaiting Microsoft’s next move in its Yahoo bid. As of early Monday morning, there was no word from the company on its plans. But the evolution of its public statements provides some clues about what has been happening behind the scenes. Here’s the progression: …

Bill Gates alluded to Yahoo only barely, if at all, but discussed just about everything else during a University of Washington event Friday that felt like a combination homecoming and farewell for the Microsoft chairman. …

Microsoft shares fell more than 6 percent in trading today, to $29.83, following mixed quarterly results that included a larger-than-expected revenue shortfall in the company’s PC Windows business. Meanwhile, all eyes are on Microsoft and Yahoo as the deadline imposed by Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer approaches. …

Investors and others trying to figure out where Microsoft’s Yahoo bid is headed will be closely analyzing comments made on the subject by Chris Liddell, Microsoft’s chief financial officer, during the company’s earnings conference call this afternoon. Here’s the full text: …